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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


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Songs  Along  the  Way 


Songs  Along  the 
Way 


BY 

"EMILY  BROWNE  POWELL 


The  Peter  Paul  Book  Company 
1900 


Copyright,  1899 

by 
Emily  Browne  Powell 


Co  tnp 
tin*  little  book  ta  affetttonatelp 


Prelude 

As  the  faint  perfume •,  strangely  sweety 
Within  the  faded  blossom  lingers, 

As  the  low  echoes  still  repeat 

A  song  when  ended  by  the  singers, 

So  memories  of  happy  days 

Long  haunt  the  heart  with  lingering  glory, 
And  Fancy  oft,  in  careless  lays, 

Would  fain  embalm  the  pleasant  story. 


Contents 

Page 

Prelude, v 

The  Story  of  the  Ages, i 

In  the  Saddle, 3 

Tehuantepec, 5 

Sweetheart, 6 

Falling  Asleep, 8 

On  All  Souls'  Eve, 9 

Sweetest  Rest, 12 

Homesick, 14 

Falling  Leaves, 15 

Vacation  Song, 17 

A  Game  of  Consequence, 19 

What  the  Wind  Said, 21 

A  Vision,  .         ........  23 

A  Mother's  Answer, 24 

Love's  Messenger, 25 

The  Greatest  of  These  is  Charity,   ....  26 

Farewell, 28 

Through  the  Sunset, 29 

The  Schoolhouse  Flag, 30 

John  G.  Whittier, 33 

Returning,         ........  34 

A  Modern  Parable, 35 

My  Castle, 37 

Afloat, 39 

Miserable  Sinners, 40 

vii 


viii  Contents 

Page 

AtTwoscore, 43 

Old  Eyes  and  Young  Hearts, 45 

The  Lost  Treasure, 46 

At  Nightfall, 48 

Faded, 49 

In  Memoriam, 51 

In  War  Times, 52 

Dreams  of  Summer, 54 

The  Vow, 55 

'Memories,          ........  57 

There  Remaineth  a  Rest  for  the  People  of  God,     .  58 

Then  and  Now, 59 

Early  Called .  62 

Auf  Wiedersehen,     .        .         .        .        .        .        •  63 

To  an  Absent  One, 65 

"Feed  My  Lambs," 66 

By  the  Sea, 68 

A  Fruitless  Quest 69 

My  Neighbor's  Rose,        .        .        .        .        •         •  71 

Coming,     .........  74 

My  Pet  Name, 75 

Too  Late, 76 

The  Strange  Horseman, 77 

At  Commencement, 79 

The  Linnet's  Song 80 

My  Old  Home, .  81 

An  Echo, 83 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


The  Story  of  the  Ages 

A  cry  comes  ringing  down  the  ages  vast: 
"  Forget  not,  ye  who  on  the  earth  abide, 

That  we,  the  countless  myriads  of  the  past, 

Once  lived,  and  loved,  and  wept,  and  toiled, 
and  died. 

"  Our  works  live  after  us; — ye  see  them  yet, 

By  that  strange  river  where  the  lotus  grows, 
In  Grecian  column,  eastern  minaret, 

And  on  the  hills  by  which  the  Tiber  flows. 

"Our  deeds  yet  live; — the  world  remembers  still 

The  spot  where  Sparta's  brave  three  hundred  lie,* 
And  tales  of  Marathon  the  pulses  thrill ! 
O  day  of  glory !    thou  canst  never  die ! 

"  We  were  the  conquering  legions  of  old  Rome; 
We  wore  the  knightly  cross  on  Syria's  plain : 
Age  after  age  to  you  the  records  come  — 
Always  the  same  sad  tale  of  strife  and  pain. 


Songs  Along  the  Way 

Ye  are  today  as  we  were  yesterday ; 

Tomorrow,  as  it  swiftly  passes  by, 
Shall  write  for  you  the  same  brief  history: 

'They  lived,  and  toiled,  and  died, —  and  here 
they  lie.'  " 

O  silent  lips  that  speak !    O  mighty  dead  ! 

Ye  have  not  lived  and  toiled  and  died  in  vain ! 
Little  by  little,  from  the  low-bowed  head, 

Age  after  age  helps  lift  the  load  of  pain  ! 

Little  by  little  to  our  waiting  eyes 

Broadens  the  glorious  light  that  makes  us  free ; 
Little  by  little  our  cramped  souls  arise, 

And  grope  toward  their  higher  destiny ! 

Little  by  little  sinks  the,  strife  of  creeds, 

As  in  our  path  the  stumblingblocks  decrease ; 

The  cross  ye  bore,  of  old,  to  bloody  deeds, 
Now  blossoms  with  the  snowy  flowers  of  peace. 

God  speed  the  day  for  which  the  prophet  yearned, 
The  happy  reign  of  love  for  earth  in  store, 

When  all  the  swords  to  ploughshares  shall  be  turned, 
And  nations  shall  learn  warfare  nevermore ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


In  the  Saddle 

Adown  the  street  and  through  the  town 
We  cantered,  near  a  score  together, 

Then  to  the  foothills,  warm  and  brown, 
Amid  the  mellow  summer  weather. 

Tinted  with  gold  and  amethyst, 

Calmly  the  twilight  skies  bent  over, 

While  wandering  cloudlets,  drooping,  kissed 
The  mountain  top,  their  gray  old  lover. 

Reluctant  shadows,  downward  pressed, 
Thronged  slowly  from  their  far  dominions, 

While  through  the  gateway  of  the  West 
The  restless  night  wind  trailed  its  pinions. 

On,  gallant  steeds  !  time  will  not  dwell; 

Hours  long  for  pain  are  short  for  pleasure. 
List  how  the  wild  notes  sink  and  swell, 

And  young  feet  tread  the  dancers'  measure. 

Oh  happy  hearts !  oh  rest  from  care ! 

We  left  behind  all  thought  of  sorrow. 
Lulled  in  the  soft  and  dreamy  air, 

What  reck  we  of  the  vague  tomorrow? 


Songs  Along  the  Way 

There,  hush  the  music,  dim  the  light, 

To  horse  once  more;  Time  points  a  warning. 

Across  the  dusky  verge  of  night 
We  slowly  ride  into  the  morning. 

The  low  "  Good  bye,"  the  withering  flowers, 
Life's  changeless  story  are  repeating. 

Float  back  into  the  past,  bright  hours, 
Like  many  another,  fair  but  fleeting. 

But  Memory,  with  tender  hand, 

Gathering  the  scattered  threads  together, 

Weaves  in  her  web  a  silver  strand  — 
That  ride  mid  shadowy  summer  weather. 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


Tehuantepec 


In  coming  days,  when  winds  blow  high, 
And  white  foam  sweeps  across  the  deck, 

Oft  we'll  recall  a  night  gone  by, 

The  night  we  crossed  Tehuantepec — 

The  stranger  friends,  the  silent  skies, 
The  dim  cliffs  rising  from  the  sea, 

The  youthful  hearts,  the  beaming  eyes, 
And  voices  ringing  merrily. 

The  voice  may  take  a  sadder  strain, 

The  fluttering  locks  be  changed  to  gray, 

The  hopes  we  bound  with  youth's  bright  chain 
In  mocking  beauty  melt  away, 

Yet  be  our  hearts,  where'er  we  roam, 
Mid  youth's  decay  or  fortune's  wreck, 

As  pure  as  when  we  watched  the  foam 
That  crested  wild  Tehuantepec  i 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


Sweetheart 

A  tiny  songstress  on  a  swaying  bough, 

Joyous  with  life  in  the  soft  breath  of  May, 

Sang  cheerily  and  clear,  the  morning  through, 
A  song  I've  heard  her  trilling  many  a  day  — 
< '  Sweetheart !  Sweetheart !  ' ' 

Not  only  mid  the  warm  and  fragrant  breeze 

Blowing  across  the  roses  of  the  spring, 
But   while   the   fierce   March  stormwind  shook    the 

trees, 

With  silvery  notes  unfaltering  did  she  sing, 
"  Sweetheart !   Sweetheart !  " 

Though  oft  I  ask  what  Fortune  doth  provide, 
Or  buildeth  she  her  nest  by  cot  or  hall, 

She  only  turns  her  dainty  head  aside 

And  sings,  as  if  the  one  word  answered  all, 
"  Sweetheart !  Sweetheart !  " 

Thus  ever  sings  my  heart,  thou  clear-voiced  bird, 
In  unison  with  thee  the  whole  day  long ; 

Though  the  hushed  lips  may  utter  scarce  a  word, 
Yet  with  each  pulse-beat  thrills  thy  tender  song, 
"  Sweetheart !  Sweetheart !  " 


Songs  Along  the  Way  7 

Amid  these  spring  days  of  exceeding  peace, 

And  through  the  far,  dim  length  of  coming  years, 

Within  my  soul  thy  song  shall  never  cease, 

But  still  ring  on  through  joy  or  care  or  tears  — 
' '  Sweetheart !  Sweetheart ! ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


Falling  Asleep 

Drifting  away,  drifting  away, — 

Away  from  earth  to  the  realms  of  sleep, 
The  shadowy  land  that  lies  between 
The  world  of  life  and  the  world  unseen, 
That  land  where  weary  ones  cease  to  weep. 

Drifting  away,  drifting  away, — 

Away  from  trouble  and  care  and  pain : 
Come,  white  angel  of  sleep,  and  shed 
Visions  of  beauty  around  my  bed; 
Fold  thy  light  wings  over  my  brain. 

Drifting  away,  drifting  away: 

The  world  and  its  cares  grow  less  and  less; 
Swiftly  the  shadows  around  me  glide  — 
Faces  and  forms  in  a  mingled  tide, — 

Lulling  me  into  forgetfulness. 


Songs  Along  the  Way 


On  All  Souls'  Eve 


Traveler,  on  All  Souls'  Eve  beware 

Of  roads  that  cross  — the  dead  walk  there! 

—  Old  English  Legend. 


Why  walk  so  late ?     Why  walk  so  slow? 
The  stars  are  dim ;  the  wild  winds  blow; 
Darkly  the  rushing  waters  flow, 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

The  dead  walk  slow ;  the  dead  walk  late ! 
Where  yon  roads  cross,  whoe'er  will  wait 
Till  midnight  strikes  the  hour  of  fate 
On  All  Souls'  Eve, 

And,  waiting,  call  the  dead  most  dear, 
Shall  see  the  shrouded  ones  appear, 
Shall  walk  beside  them  without  fear 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

The  dead  most  dear  !     And  can  it  be? 
O  fair  lost  love,  come  back  to  me ! 
Oh  for  one  earthly  hour  with  thee 
On  All  Souls'  Eve ! 


io  Songs  Along  the  Way 

My  love,  my  love,  I  see  thy  face ! 
Thou  comest  with  the  old  slow  grace  ! 
Come  thou  once  more  to  my  embrace, 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

Let  me  forget,  sweet  one  so  dear, 
The  weary  past,  the  future  drear, 
In  the  short  hour  that  thou  art  here 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

O  speak  to  me  the  words  I  crave, 
Since  conquering  Love  e'en  Death  may  brave,. 
And  thus  hath  brought  thee  from  thy  grave 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

My  pleading  is  but  idle  breath : 
Thy  tender  mouth  no  fond  word  saith ; 
It  keeps  the  mystery  of  death 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

Thy  peace  my  longing  cannot  harm ; 
Thy  spirit  feels  the  heavenly  calm, 
While  mine  is  full  of  earth's  alarm 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 

We  walk  together,  yet  apart ; 
E'en  standing  almost  heart  to  heart, 
As  far  from  me  as  heaven  thou  art 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  1 1 

Farewell,  sweet  love!     Whate'er  my  pain, 
As  the  slow  seasons  wax  and  wane, 
I  will  not  call  thee  back  again 
On  All  Souls'  Eve. 


12  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Sweetest  Rest 


Press  to  my  breast  thy  small,  sweet  face, 

O  gentle  babe  of  mine; 
Thy  mother's  love  encircles  thee 

Like  the  halo  round  a  shrine, 
And  never  a  waft  of  the  life  outside 

Troubles  the  calm  of  thine. 


Thou  fair  wee  woman,  kindly  Fate 

Thy  future  may  endow, 
And  many  a  pillow  soft  as  down 

Receive  thy  tired  brow, 
Yet  ne'er,  till  in  thy  last  low  bed, 

Thou' It  rest  as  sweet  as  now. 


For  thine  can  but  be  woman's  lot 
Of  love,  and  care,  and  pain, — 

To  cherish  tender  flowers  that  pine 
For  the  sunshine  and  the  rain, — 

To  send  fair  ships  across  the  sea 
That  come  not  back  again, — 


Songs  Along  the  Way  13 

To  force  unwilling  eyes  to  smile 
When  teardrops  fain  would  start, — 

Perchance  to  yield  thy  treasures  up 
For  pottage  in  Life's  mart, — 

Thankful  for  e'en  the  crumbs  of  love 
To  feed  a  hungry  heart. 


Softly  above  thy  shining  head 
The  years  will  come  and  go ; 

Some  day,  to  thee,  the  sweet  old  tale 
Be  whispered  soft  and  low; 

But  the  love  that  shelters  thee  today 
Is  the  truest  thou  canst  know. 

So  sleep,  my  babe,  my  precious  one, 
Sleep  on,  and  take  thy  rest; 

The  lambs  are  sheltered  in  the  fold 
The  birdlings  in  the  nest, 

And  thou  today  art  safe  from  harm  — 
Safe  on  thy  mother's  breast. 


14  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Homesick 

O  far  white  cloud,  slow  floating  o'er  the  plains 
Down  to  the  bosom  of  the  shining  sea, 

Unloose  my  homesick  spirit  from  its  chains, 
And  bid  me  in  thy  wanderings  follow  thee ! 

Fain  would  I  follow  to  the  sunset  hills, 
Purple  and  misty  in  the  changing  glow, 

As  down  the  west  the  lingering  radiance  thrills, 
While  o'er  the  east  the  twilight  shadows  grow. 

Thou' It  spread  thy  pinions  to  the  fresh' ning  wind; 

The  waves  will  chant  to  thee  their  low  refrain  — 
That  old  sweet  song  that  ever  seems  to  find 

In  human  hearts  a  vaguely  answering  strain. 

Should  kindly  eyes  that  mine  were  wont  to  greet 
Uplift  to  thee,  slow  floating  to  thy  rest, 

This  message  from  the  absent  one  repeat : 

' '  Old  scenes  are  fairest ;  old,  tried  friends  are  best. ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way  15 


Falling  Leaves 


Fading,  fluttering,  flying, 

The  last  bright  leaves  drop  down,- 
Springtime's  verdant  glory, 

Autumn's  radiant  crown, — 
To  lie  in  wind-swept  masses, 

Withered,  sere,  and  brown. 


Bright  was  their  twinkling  beauty 
When  summer  mornings  broke 

And  in  the  drowsy  coverts 
The  feathered  songsters  woke, 

While  from  all  haunts  of  nature 
Her  myriad  voices  spoke, 


Or  when,  through  hazy  autumn, 
They  wore  their  changing  glow, 

In  russet,  gold,  and  crimson 
Flitting  to  earth  below, 

To  lie,  at  last,  in  silence 
Under  a  shroud  of  snow. 


1 6  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Life,  thy  beauty  withers ; 

Like  the  trees  thou  art : 
Fading,  fluttering,  flying, 

Summer  hopes  depart, 
And  lo !  the  snow  of  winter 

Falls  upon  the  heart. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  1 7 


Vacation  Song 

Come,  lads  and  lasses, 
A  soft  wind  is  blowing, 

Rustling  the  alders 

Beside  the  brook  growing 

Summer  has  found  us, 
And  nature  rejoices. 
"  Leave  the  dull  schoolbooks  !  " 
Cry  all  the  glad  voices. 

Down  in  the  meadows 
Are  buttercups  shining; 

Bright  in  the  hedges 
The  wild  roses  twining; 

Butterflies  everywhere, 

Bees  in  the  clover ; 
Whiz  goes  the  humming  bird, 

Flame-throated  rover. 

List  how  the  linnet 

His  sweet  song  is  trying, 
And  hark  to  the  meadow  lark 

Gaily  replying. 


1 8  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Bird  song,  and  blossom, 
And  sunshine  together — 

Who  would  have  lessons 

While  June  rules  the  weather? 


Songs  Along  the  Way  19 


A  Game  of  Consequence 

Young  John  went  briskly  out,  one  morn, 

To  mend  the  fence. 
But  man  is  weak  when  maids  beguile ; 
A  gossip  found  him  on  the  stile 

Playing  "  Consequence  " — 

Playing  with  Jess  and  Mollie  and  Jean, 

'Neath  the  oak  tree's  shade, 
While  the  sun  climbed  high  in  the  sky  of  morn 
And  the  cows  that  leaned  toward  the  rustling  corn 

The  fence  boards  swayed. 

A  lively  game  of  "  Consequence  " 

They  had  that  day  — 

What  "he "and  "she"  and  "the  world"  said, 
Till  pretty  Jean  grew  rosy  red 

And  ran  away. 

That  eve  young  John  met  pretty  Jean 

By  the  mended  fence. 
He  said  —  she  said  —  she  blushed  again, 
But  this  time  did  not  fly, —  and  then  — 

The  consequence ! 


2O  Songs  Along  the  Way 

The  cows  stood  near  with  wondering  eyes : 

The  cows  were  dumb  j 
But  the  farm  boy,  hidden  behind  the  hay, 
Who  represented  "  the  world  "  that  day, 

Said,  "Yum!    yum!  " 


Songs  Along  the  Way  21 


What  the  Wind  Said 

The  voice  of  the  wind  was  soft  and  low, 

And  this  to  my  ear  it  seemed  to  say : 
"O  come  with  me  where  the  wild  flowers  grow, 
'Over  the  hills  and  far  away.' 

"I  know  the  path  to  the  shadowy  dell 

Where  the  violet  opens  its  soft  blue  eyes ; 
I  know  where  the  buds  of  the  cowslip  swell, 
And  the  dainty  cups  of  the  crocus  rise. 

"I  haste  where  my  darling,  the  windflower  frail, 

Is  shyly  awaiting  my  fond  embrace  ; 
I  ruffle  the  pools  in  the  sunny  vale 
That  mirror  the  fair  narcissus'  face. 

"I  go  where  the  tinkling  waters  flow : 

I  find  the  fern  in  each  hidden  nook ; 
I  know  where  the  silverleaf  bends  low 
To  trail  its  fingers  along  the  brook. 

"The  snowdrop  gleams  from  the  springing  grass; 

The  iris  lures  me  with  gentle  wiles ; 
The  daisy  nods  as  I  lightly  pass ; 

And  the  heart's-ease  lifts  its  face  and  smiles." 


22  Songs  Along  the  Way 

And  ever  seemed  the  refrain  to  be, 

As  I  hearkened  the  voice  of  the  spring  wind  gay 
"  O  hasten,  O  hasten,  and  come  with  me 
'  Over  the  hills  and  far  away  '  !  " 


Songs  Along  the  Way  23, 


A  Vision 

A  gray  rock  towering  by  the  water  side ; 

The  low  lap  !  lap  !  of  the  advancing  tide ; 

A  sun-browned  child,  dreamy  and  wistful-eyed. 

Along  the  ripples  sea  birds  curve  and  dip ; 

From  the  blue  distance  comes  a  home-bound  ship ; 

Out  through  the  far-off  mist-gates  white  sails  slip. 

A  fishing  boat  rocks  idly  to  and  fro ; 
Along  the  sands  the  fishers  come  and  go  ; — 
Hark  !  on  the  wind,  the  sailors'  "  Yo !  heave  ho  !  " 

O  homesick  shell,  thy  low  imprisoned  roar 
Brings  back  the  sounding  sea,  the  cliff-walled  shore, 
And  the  dear  home  that  I  may  see  no  more. 


.24  Songs  Along  the  Way 


A  Mother's  Answer 

O  mother  of  babies  strong  and  fair, 

Tell,  to  one  who  has  none, 
Which  of  your  dainty  darlings  there  — 
Golden  or  auburn  or  chestnut  hair — 

To  you  is  the  loveliest  one. 

"  Ask  the  mother  bird  in  her  nest 

Up  in  the  rocking  tree 
Which  of  her  birdlings  to  her  looks  best, 
Which  of  the  nestlings  under  her  breast 

She  shelters  most  tenderly." 

Mother  love  answers  readily, 

Mother  love  fond  and  true, 
"  A  miracle  each  are  my  birds  to  me, 
No  matter  what  color  their  feathers  may  be 

Or  how  they  may  look  to  you." 


Songs  Along  the  Way  25 


Love's  Messenger 

Bird  with  the  breast  of  scarlet, 

The  roses  withering  lie, 
And  red  leaves  drearily  shiver  and  fall 

As  the  restless  winds  sweep  by. 
Thy  flight  thou'lt  soon  be  winging 

To  the  Southland  far  away : 
Bear  thou  a  sweet,  sweet  message 

To  my  soldier  boy,  I  pray. 

Bird,  I  love  him,  I  love  him, 

But  I  did  not  tell  him  so ; 
My  spirit  is  weary  with  longing, 

But  that  he  does  not  know. 
The  heartache  and  the  heartbreak 

Of  my  loneliness  and  pain 
Perchance  his  faithful  soul  may  feel 

In  thy  sweet,  familiar  strain. 

On  the  banks  of  Southern  rivers, 

Along  the  Southern  plain, 
The  satin  sheen  of  the  snowy  flowers 

Is  dark  with  a  crimson  rain ; 
Low  mounds  are  thick  in  the  sunshine 

Where  brave  hearts  lie  at  rest, 
And  over  one  a  bird  keeps  watch, 

A  bird  with  a  scarlet  breast. 


26  Songs  Along  the  Way 


The  Greatest  of  These  is  Charity 


Three  women  stood  together  as  the  chime 

Of  distant  bells  rang  in  the  Christmas  time; 

And  lo !  a  vision  radiant  and  fair, 

A  Heavenly  Presence,  shone  before  them  there. 

The  dear  Lord  stood  revealed ;  he  asked  each  one, 

"In  this  bright  year,  for  me  what  hast  thou  done? 


The  first  said:  "  Lord,  thy  voice  seemed  calling  me 

To  distant  lands,  thy  messenger  to  be. 

To  carry  on  thy  work  I  have  not  failed; 

In  danger  often,  yet  I  have  not  quailed. 

Among  the  heathen  I  have  cast  my  lot, 

To  teach  the  faith  to  those  who  know  thee  not. ' ' 


The  second  said:   "  Lord,  I  have  tried  to  be 
A  faithful  steward.     With  full  hands  and  free 
I've  given  of  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor; 
Oft   I've   brought   hope   to  those  who  hoped  no 

more. 

Of  pain  and  sorrow  I  have  eased  the  smart, 
And  taught  to  thank  thee  many  a  grateful  heart." 


Songs  Along  the  Way  27 

The  third  stood  humbly  there,  with  downcast  eyes. 
"  I  have  no  wealth  to  give, — I  am  not  wise. 
Dear  Lord,  'tis  little  I  have  done  for  thee, 
But  I  have  walked  with  all  in  charity. 
At  others'  sins,  I,  conscious  of  my  own, 
Point  no  accusing  finger,  cast  no  stone." 


The  Master  smiled  down  on  the  drooping  head. 
"  Whoe'er  loves  mine,  loves  also  me,"  he  said. 
"  Whoe'er  shows  mercy  shows  it  unto  me. 
She  hath  all  graces  who  hath  charity. ' ' 


28  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Farewell 

Summer  and  youth,  farewell. 
The  rose  leaves  fall  with  the  rain ; 

Soon  winter  will  come,  and  go, — 

The  spring  winds  gather  and  blow, 
And  the  roses  bloom  again  : 
But  faded  youth  ne'er  yet 

Revived  at  the  touch  of  spring, 
And  south  winds  never  set 

Dead  hopes  a-blossoming. 
Farewell,  farewell. 

To  sunny  isles  afar 
Upon  the  silver  main 

The  swift-winged  swallows  go, 

But,  after  the  sleet  and  snow, 
They  will  return  again  : 
The  nestlings  of  the  heart 

Come  not  at  spring's  behest ; 
Forever,  when  they  depart, 

Remaineth  an  empty  nest. 
Farewell,  farewell. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  29 


Through  the  Sunset 

Long  shadows  sweep  across  the  sky, 

As  day  sinks  slowly  in  the  sea; 
We  ride  together,  you  and  I, 

Along  the  hill-slopes  silently. 

We  ride  together,  as  of  old  ; 

Through  the  soft  haze  the  sun  mists  weave, 
Out  of  the  sunset  barred  with  gold, 

Into  the  starry,  purple  eve. 

Lulled  by  the  rhythm  of  the  tide, 

The  silent  strand  before  us  lies, 
While  gates  of  glory  open  wide 

Around  the  crest  of  Tamalpais. 

What  is  the  charm  the  hill-slopes  lack  ? 

What  brightness  of  the  past  is  o'er? 
The  smiles  of  friends  who  come  not  back, 

The  hopes  of  days  that  are  no  more. 

Ghosts  ride  between  us  on  our  way ; 

Their  shadowy  steeds  press  ours  apart ; 
Against  my  arm  their  bridles  sway ; 

Their  hoof-beats  strike  upon  my  heart. 


30  Songs  Along  the  Way 


The  Schoolhouse  Flag 

Above  the  children  of  the  land 
Our  country's  banner  floats  today, 

And  boy  and  girl,  with  earnest  eyes, 
Gaze  at  it  from  their  play. 


What  read  they  in  its  shining  folds, 
That  on  the  summer  breezes  swell  ? 

To  them  —  the  nation's  hope  and  pride 
What  stories  does  it  tell  ? 


We  "  children  of  a  larger  growth  " 
See  visions,  as  its  stripes  unfold  — 

The  struggle  of  a  nation's  birth, 
New  England's  farmers  bold, 


The  icy  Delaware,  the  huts 

Of  Valley  Forge,  the  reeling  deck 
Of  Perry's  ship,  the  valiant  men 

Who  scaled  Chapultepec ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  31 

And  later,  darker  years  unroll  — 
How  vivid  now  the  vision  grows ! 

We  hear  the  tramp  of  marching  hosts, 
The  strife  of  kindred  foes ! 


The  loved,  the  wept  through  weary  years, 
From  many  a  battlefield  they  throng, 

Wrapped  in  the  faded  coats  of  blue 
That  have  been  their  shrouds  so  long ! 


They  glide  before  us,  silent,  calm, 

And  the  old  grief  breaks  forth  and  cries, 
"Why  come  ye  back,  O  loved  and  lost, 
With  the  grave  dust  in  your  eyes  ? 


Think  you  the  living  can  forget? 

Ah,  no  !  rest  in  the  peaceful  grave ! 
Stout  hearts  and  loyal  guard  today 

The  flag  you  died  to  save." 


Fling  out  the  flag !     O  happy  child, 
Born  in  these  later  years  of  peace, 

When  war  a  vision  only  seems, 
And  wealth  and  ease  increase, 


32  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Look  proudly  on  each  shining  star 
That  gleams  on  yon  fair  field  of  blue 

Learn  reverence  for  each  fluttering  fold 
That  brought  such  joy  to  you  ! 


O  child,  be  worthy  of  such  sires ! 

The  blood  of  heroes  is  your  dower 
Be  ready  when  your  duty  calls, 

When  God  shall  strike  the  hour, — 


Ready  to  follow,  if  need  be, 

"  Old  Glory  "  through  the  battle  grim,. 
But  never  let  its  fair  folds  trail, 

Nor  one  bright  star  grow  dim ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  33 


John  G.  Whittier 

Softly  the  eddying  leaves  flit  down, 
From  trees  with  autumn  tints  aflame, 

Upon  a  new-made  grave  where  lies 
A  Friend  —  it  is  a  fitting  name. 

Friend  of  the  people,  close  to  thine 
The  strong  heart  of  the  nation  beat  : 

Its  wrongs  awoke  thy  clarion  cry ; 

Its  joys,  thy  folk-songs  soft  and  sweet. 

New  England  claims  thine  honored  dust, 
But  not  to  her  alone  belongs 

The  glory  of  thy  deathless  fame, 
Sweet  singer  of  a  people's  songs! 


From  North  and  South,  from  East  and  West, 
Above  thy  grave  the  pilgrims  bend ; 

Their  falling  tears  awake  thee  not. 
A  nation  mourns  for  thee,  O  Friend ! 


34  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Returning 


In  weariness  and  pain 
And  longing,  as  when  thou  wast  all  to  me, 
To  make  thy  breast  my  refuge  from  alarms, 
To  rest  once  more  within  thy  sheltering  arms, 
Mother,  I  come  to  thee. 

Out  in  the  wide,  wide  world 
I've  wandered  many  a  dreary  mile  alone. 
Its  thorny  pathways  pierced  my  aching  feet; 
Cold  on  my  head  its  pit'less  tempests  beat; — 

Take  back  thy  weary  one. 

Distrustful,  proud,  and  sad, 
Far  different  lessons  from  thy  precepts  mild 
I've  gathered  since  our  life  paths  swept  apart. 
I  bring  not  back  the  childish,  trusting  heart, — 

But  'tis  thy  child. 

O  face  of  womanhood ! 
Deeply  the  outer  world  has  stamped  its  chill, 
But,  gentle  mother,  in  the  saddened  eyes 
That  old-time  likeness  to  thine  own  yet  lies; — 

Thou'lt  love  thine  own  child  still. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  35 


A  Modern  Parable 

Footsore  and  dusty  from  the  world's  highway, 
A  woman  with  clear  eyes  and  earnest  face 

Came  and  complained  in  bitter  words,  one  day, 
To  Justice,  seated  in  the  market  place. 

"  O  Justice,  on  your  hill  a  temple  stands, 

Whose  treasures,  rich  and  rare,  my  coming  wait ; 
But,  as  I  entrance  seek  with  eager  hands, 

My  brother  thrusts  me  back  and  bars  the  gate. ' ' 

The  fair,  stern  goddess  calmly  answered :   "Nay  ! 

First  right  the  wrong  that  shadows  thine  own  soul ; 
Thy  weaker  sister,  fallen  by  the  way, 

Clings  to  thy  skirts  and  keeps  thee  from  the  goal. 

"Thy  conscious  powers  her  feebleness  deride, 

And  bid  her  dazzled  vision  seek  the  light ; 
But  she,  with  want  and  suffering  at  her  side, — 
What  eye  hath  she  for  glories  on  the  height  ? 


'  Lift  thou  thy  sister !     Make  thy  presence  sweet ! 

Thy  strong,  protecting  arms  around  her  twine ; 
Shield  her  with  love  until  her  stumbling  feet 
Grow  firm,  and  eager  to  keep  step  with  thine. 


36  Songs  Along  the  Way 

"  Then,  as  you  turn  your  faces  to  the  day, 

And  climb  the  height,  unfaltering  and  free, 
Who  shall  withstand  you  on  your  upward  way  ? 
What  gate  can  bar  you  from  your  destiny  ? 


Songs  Along  the  Way  37 


My  Castle 


I  owned  a  wonderful  castle : 

The  banner  thereof  was  Truth ; 
Its  hangings  were  golden  fancies; 

Its  curtains,  the  visions  of  youth. 
I  locked  the  door  of  my  castle, 

And  hid  away  the  key, 
Vowing,  for  fear  of  intruders, 

That  locked  it  should  ever  be. 


But  there  came  to  the  door  of  my  castle, 

One  eve,  in  the  twilight  thin, 
A  beautiful  boyish  stranger, 

Crying,  "  Pray,  let  me  in  !  " 
His  hair  was  of  twisted  sunbeams, 

His  eyes  like  the  bluebird's  wing, 
And  his  voice  as  sweet  as  the  music 

Of  bells  which  the  fairies  ring. 

For  a  while  I  refused  to  listen, 
But  he  only  pleaded  the  more, 

Until,  at  last,  I  relented, 
And  opened  my  castle  door. 


38  Songs  Along  the  Way 

But,  having  once  gained  an  entrance, 
The  boy  determined  to  stay, — 

Assumed  control  of  my  castle, 
And  snatched  my  scepter  away. 

Since  then  he  has  reigned  in  my  castle; 

He  holds  it  whether  or  no; 
But  his  presence  is  like  the  sunlight, 

And  I  would  not  have  him  go. 
O  Love,  my  beautiful  stranger, 

Thou  and  I  shall  never  part, 
But  thou  shalt  reign  forever 

In  the  castle  of  my  heart. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  39 


Afloat 


Drift  softly  on  the  silent  tide, 

My  boat,  my  boat;  the  wind  is  still. 

By  wood-fringed  banks  we  slowly  glide, 
Borne  onward  at  the  current's  will. 

From  azure  heights  a  sent'nel  star 
Upon  our  rippling  track  looks  down, 

While,  one  by  one,  the  lamps  afar 
Begin  to  light  the  distant  town. 

At  times  the  twilight  hush  is  stirred 
By  cry  of  some  wild  forest  thing, 

Or  soft  note  of  a  sleepy  bird 

That  lifts  its  head  from  'neath  its  wing. 

Drift  slowly  on,  my  boat,  my  boat; 

A  lotus  breath  is  in  the  air. 
What  happiness  with  thee  to  float ! 

Why  should  I  seek  the  world  and  care  ? 

Vague  yesterday  is  of  the  past ; 

E'en  half  forgotten  is  today; 
Tonight  is  mine, — so  calm,  so  vast; 

Tomorrow  ?  —  put  the  thought  away  ! 


40  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Miserable  Sinners 


The  Lenten  sunshine,  softened  and  subdued, 
Touched  with  its  tender  radiance,  many-hued, 
The  throng  that  knelt,  the  stately  church  within, 
In  genteel  penitence  for  genteel  sin. 
"  Miserable  sinners!"  murmured  many  a  one, 
With  comfortable  sense  of  duty  done. 


A  wan-faced  woman  crept  into  the  room, 
And  sought  a  corner  hidden  in  the  gloom. 
No  dainty  sinner  she:  Shame's  burning  hand 
Had  stamped  upon  her  brow  his  cruel  brand; 
Remorse  and  Want  and  Pain  for  many  a  day 
Had  walked  beside  her  on  her  weary  way. 


Down  on  her  knees  she  sank,  while  tears  like  rain 
Rolled  o'er  her  hoi  low  cheeks.  She  moaned  in  pain, 
And  beat  her  breast,  and  grovelled  on  the  floor, 
And,  agonizing,  whispered  o'er  and  o'er, 
"A  miserable  sinner,  yet  I  look  to  thee! 
Have  mercy,  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  me!  " 


Songs  Along  the  Way  41 

Again  the  organ's  swelling  notes  were  heard; 
A  sweet  old-fashioned  hymn  the  soft  air  stirred : 
It  spoke  to  many  a  heart  of  childhood's  days, 
Of  mother  love,  of  household  prayer  and  praise. 
The  woman,  listening,  crouched  upon  the  floor, 
Hushed  her  wild  prayers,  and  sobbed  and  moaned  no 
more. 

The  sermon,  smooth  with  many  a  well-turned  phrase, 

Led  well-bred  penitents  through  flowery  ways; 

But  in  its  rounded  periods,  I  fear, 

Souls  sick  and  tortured  found  but  little  cheer. 

At  length,  the  graceful  benediction  o'er, 

The  throng  moved  slowly  toward  the  outer  door. 

A  halt  —  a  bustle —  "  What  was  that  you  said  ? 

The  woman  yonder  dead?"    "Yes,  look!  stone  dead!" 

The  Pharisees  their  rich  robes  drew  away 

As  if  pollution  dwelt  in  that  poor  clay, 

And  coldly  wondered,  as  they  hurried  by, 

Why  such  as  she  chose  such  a  place  to  die. 

A  man  came  down  the  aisle,  with  bearing  calm, 
His  fair  young  wife  leaning  upon  his  arm. 
He  started  as  his  gaze  fell  on  the  dead, 
And  all  the  color  from  his  proud  face  fled. 
His  fond  wife  saw  him  blanch,  and  felt  the  start, 
And  thought,   "The  sight   has  touched   his  tender 
heart." 


42  Songs  Along  the  Way 

That  night  the  outcast,  colder  than  the  stone 
Her  resting  place,  lay  in  the  morgue  alone. 

Of  sin  and  shame,  from  her  still  youthful  face, 
Death's  pitying  fingers  had  removed  all  trace. 

Perchance  the  Master,  at  her  soul's  release, 

Said:  "I  condemn  thee  not.    Go  thou  in  peace.' 

Backward  and  forward  in  a  shadowy  room, 
A  man  paced  ceaselessly  amid  the  gloom, 

From  fierce  remorse  seeking  relief  in  vain, 
Writhing  like  one  in  purgatorial  pain, 

Crying,  "On  me,  most  vile  and  self-abhorred  — 
Miserable  sinner  !  —  O  have  mercy,  Lord ! ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way  43 


At  Twoscore 

The  ball  is  over ;  the  hour  is  late ; 

But  I  sit  by  the  fire  in  this  quiet  room, 
Watching  the  flames  in  the  glowing  grate 

And  the  shadows  that  dance  in  the  corner's 
gloom. 

Across  in  the  mirror  my  face  I  see : 

There  are  silver  threads  in  the  dusky  hair ; 

Eyes  saddened  by  years  look  out  at  me ; 
And  along  the  forehead  are  lines  of  care. 

My  fair  young  daughter,  dreaming,  smiles; 

Her  bright  hair  gleams  on  her  pillow  white. 
A  waking  dream  my  heart  beguiles; 

I  saw  a  ghost  at  the  ball  tonight. 

Mid  the  music's  swell  and  the  mellow  light, 
As  the  dancers'  restless  feet  flew  fast, 

In  a  pair  of  young  eyes,  brown  and  bright, 
I  saw  a  ghost  from  my  far-off  past. 

The  lights  grew  dim  and  the  music  faint, 

And  far  away,  it  seemed  to  me, 
I  stood  again  in  a  garden  quaint, 

And  just  beyond  was  the  shining  sea. 


44  Songs  Along  the  Way 

The  breath  of  the  white  magnolia  flower, 
Heavy  and  sweet,  was  in  the  air ; 

The  moonlight  fell  in  a  silver  shower; 
Youth  seemed  eternal,  and  life  was  fair. 

Long,  long  ago  that  summer  fled; 

Its  glory  passed  from  our  changing  lives. 
Its  hopes,  like  its  flowers,  have  long  been  dead, 

And  Memory's  ghost  alone  survives. 

But  still,  in  that  garden  far  away, 
Flowers  just  as  sweet  perfume  the  air, 

And,  watching  my  daughter's  face,  I  say, 
"  Youth  is  eternal,  and  life  is  fair." 


Songs  Along  the  Way  45 


Old  Eyes  and  Young  Hearts 

Fair  Lillian  sits  by  the  casement  vines, 

Her  bright  hair  touched  by  the  sunlight's  sheen, 

Her  fingers  toying  amid  the  leaves  — 
As  sweet  a  picture  as  ever  was  seen. 

Young  Oliver,  gazing  with  heart  in  his  eyes, 

Thinks  her  an  angel  in  mortal  guise. 

Her  mother  knits  in  a  corner  near, 

And  says,  "Young  people  were  not  inclined 

To  squander  their  time  when  I  was  young"; 
So  she  gives  them  a  tangled  skein  to  wind. 

The  young  man  smiles,  and  says  to  himself, 

"That  was  Cupid's  suggestion,  the  cunning  elf!  " 

Bending  low  o'er  the  twisted  strands, 

Golden  ringlets  touch  sunbrowned  cheek. 

Didst  learn,  O  mother,  when  thou  wast  young, 
The  wondrous  language  bright  eyes  speak  ? 

The  good  dame's  needles  falter  and  cease, 

And  she  rests  in  dreams  of  untroubled  peace. 

Waking  at  length,  in  mute  dismay 

She  stares  at  the  picture  before  her  eyes ; 

The  young  man's  arms  round  the  maid  are  twined, 
And  her  shining  head  on  his  bosom  lies, 

While  the  skein  to  the  floor  has  been  left  to  fall, 

And  the  kitten  plays  with  the  half-wound  ball. 


46  Songs  Along  the  Way 


The  Lost  Treasure 


Sweet  Hope,  why  turn  thy  weary  eyes 

Thus  westward  to  the  sea? 
Dost  think  the  signals  on  the  wind 

Have  aught  of  joy  for  thee? 
Still  dreaming  of  thy  treasure  ship  ? 

Alas !  dost  thou  not  know 
That  the  ship  of  Hope,  with  silken  sails, 
Outweathered  not  the  wintry  gales, 

But  foundered  long  ago  ? 


Her  snowy  pennant  on  the  breeze 

No  longer  proudly  waves ; 
No  signal  hail  can  reach  her  crew, 

Low  in  the  coral  caves ; 
Her  shapely  hull  and  cargo  fair 

Lie  under  the  sweeping  sea. 
Wildly  the  mermaids  revel  there, 
And  mid  their  unbound,  floating  hair 

Twine  gems  that  were  for  me. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  47 

We  waited  long,  sweet  Hope  and  I, 

For  tidings  from  afar ; 
Some  relic  of  our  treasure  lost, 

A  rope  or  drifting  spar. 
Then  came  the  unwelcome  ship  of  Care  : 

Alone  she  reached  the  shore. 
She  brought  us  weary,  toilsome  years. 
We  took  the  load  with  falling  tears 

For  the  bright  dream  that  was  o'er. 


48  Songs  Along  the  Way 


At  Nightfall 


As  twilight  shadows  gathered  o'er  the  land, 
A  little  child  came  slowly  from  her  play, 

A  bunch  of  flowers,  half  withered,  in  her  hand, 
Plucked  from  the  dusty  herbage  of  the  way. 

Around  my  neck  one  tiny  arm  she  twined, 
And  laid  the  faded  gift  upon  my  knees. 

The  path  was  steep,  the  flowers  were  hard  to  find ; 
I  tried  to  bring  you  better  ones  than  these." 

Where  paths  are  toilsome  and  where  flowers  are  few, 
Through  the  long  day  we  older  children  roam ; 

But,  with  our  faded  blossoms,  mid  the  dew 
Of  gathering  twilight,  we  come  slowly  home. 

Father,  when,  at  the  setting  of  life's  sun, 
Our  poor,  imperfect  work  thine  eyes  review, 

Thou  wilt  not  judge  us  by  the  little  done, — 
Thou  wilt  remember  what  we  tried  to  do. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  49 

Faded 


She  took  the  starry,  blue-eyed  flowers 

From  her  own  shining  hair. 
"Sir  knight  of  mine,"  she  gaily  said, 
"  Thy  lady's  colors  wear ; 

Faithful  'tis  as  my  love  for  thee, 
The  language  that  they  bear." 


She  fastened  them  upon  my  breast, 

Praising  their  azure  hue, 
While  I,  assenting,  only  saw 

Her  eyes  of  sunny  blue. 

"  Wilt  keep  them  well  ?"    O'er  hand  and  flower 
I  vowed,  a  knight  most  true. 


'Twas  years  ago.     I  oped,  by  chance, 

A  casket  old  today, 
O'er  which  the  dust  of  years  forgot 

Had  gathered  deep  and  gray. 
Within,  a  spray  of  withered  flowers 

Was  fondly  laid  away. 


5O  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Her  token !     I  had  kept  them  well, 
Though  lack  of  sun  and  showers 

Had  dimmed  the  brightness  that  they  wore 
In  those  lost  summer  hours  — 

Fit  emblem  of  her  love,  alas ! 
That  faded  with  the  flowers. 

I  saw  her  yester  eve  —  the  one 

So  fair  in  memory. 
Deceit  dwelt  in  the  brilliant  eyes 

That  stole  my  heart  from  me, 
And  hard  lines  marred  the  sunny  mouth 

I  loved  when  twenty-three. 

I  saw  her  mid  the  pomp  and  wealth 

That  gild  her  false  life  o'er. 
One  glance,  and  with  a  sigh  I  turned 

Back  to  my  books  once  more, 
Thankful  that  love  of  twenty-three 

Sleeps  well  at  forty-four. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  5  r 


In  Memoriam 

"My  name  is  Life,"  a  radiant  angel  said; 

I  bring  the  sacred  bliss  of  motherhood," 
Then  turned  to  go  his  heavenward  way,  when,  lo ! 
Another  angel  on  the  threshold  stood ! 

Before  the  awful  glory  of  that  face 

The  bright  first-comer  bowed  his  shining  head. 
"The  smiles  that  welcome  me  must  melt  in  tears, 
Since  thou  art  here,  O  brother  Death,"  he  said. 

Mid  twilight's  gathering  gloom  Death  entered  there ; 

Whispered,  "The  Master  calls  thee;  come  up 

higher"; 
Closed  to  all  earthly  things  the  earnest  eyes; 

And  set  his  seal  upon  the  lips  of  fire. 

"She  is  not  dead,  but  sleeping,"  saith  the  Lord, 

But  tears  are  falling  like  the  summer  rain 
For  her,  who,  wearing  woman's  crown  of  love, 
Sank  'neath  the  weight  of  woman's  cross  of  pain. 


52  Songs  Along  the  Way 


In  War  Times 

Breeze  of  the  summer  morning, 
While  the  house  is  hushed  in  sleep, 

I  hear  thy  rustling  pinions 
Over  my  garden  sweep. 

A  moment  pause  in  flitting 

Along  the  silent  sea ; 
A  boon  of  love  and  pity 

I  pray  thee  grant  to  me. 

On  the  burning  shore  of  Cuba, 

Kindly  but  stranger  eyes 
Watch  by  a  couch  of  suffering, 

Where  a  brave  young  soldier  lies. 

Parched  are  his  lips  with  fever, 
And  he  sighs,  as  his  senses  roam, 

For  the  cool  pine-perfumed  breezes 
That  haunt  his  northern  home. 

Go,  sweet  breeze  of  the  mountains, 
And  shed  from  thy  healing  wings 

The  cool  breath  of  the  forest, 
To  calm  his  rmirmurings. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  53 

Lift  the  dark  locks,  whose  masses 

Over  his  forehead  stray, 
And  touch  his  eyelids  like  kisses 

From  soft  lips  far  away. 

Though  he  be  at  death's  threshold, 

Weary  and  faint  with  pain, 
Thy  sweet  old-time  caresses 

Shall  win  him  to  health  again. 


54  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Dreams  of  Summer 

A  song  of  summer,  beautiful  summer, 
Sweet  with  its  voices,  sing  thou  to  me  — 

The  plash  of  waters,  the  quiver  of  leaflets, 
The  trill  of  a  bird  in  a  whispering  tree. 

A  vision  of  summer,  beautiful  summer, 
Fair  as  its  roses,  bring  thou  to  me  — 

The  gleam  of  dewdrops,  the  glory  of  sunlight, 
The  brightness  of  old  upon  valley  and  sea. 

O  haunting  summer,  beautiful  summer, 
Only  a  phantom  thou  comest  today; 

Thy  birds  are  silent,  thy  roses  are  faded, 

And  faded  the  dreams  that  were  fairer  than 
they! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  55. 


The  Vow 


Thou  shy  and  laughing  maiden, 
Why  are  thy  cheeks  so  bright  ? 

Whose  footsteps  lingered  at  the  gate 
With  thine  so  long  tonight  ? — 

So  long 
Beside  the  gate  tonight  ? 


"  Young  Roland  lingered  at  the  gate; 

He  would  not  let  me  go. 
He  vows  he'll  love  me  fond  and  true 
Till  stars  shall  cease  to  glow  — 

So  true 
Till  stars  shall  cease  to  glow. 


"  'Twas  sweet  to  listen,  but,  as  yet, 

To  wed  I'm  not  inclined. 
I  tell  him  with  averted  head, 
I  don't  quite  know  my  mind  — 

As  yet, 
I  don't  quite  know  my  mind." 


56  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Thou  sad-eyed,  silent  maiden, 
Why  now  thy  cheeks  so  pale  ? 

And  where  is  he  who  loves  but  thee 
Though  every  star  should  fail?  — 

Still  true, 
Though  every  star  should  fail  ? 

"His  vow  was  false!  the  stars  burn  on; 

His  love  was  as  the  wind ; 
But,  now,  when  knowledge  is  but  pain, 
Too  well  I  know  my  mind  — 

Alas! 
Too  well  I  know  my  mind !  ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way  57 


Memories 

A  robin's  carol,  for  a  moment  heard, 

To  faithful  memory  brings  back  again 
The  saucy  chirrup  of  a  vagrant  bird 
Balancing  lightly,  by  the  soft  wind  stirred, 
Upon  an  elm  bough  near  a  schoolhouse  pane. 

A  listening  child  forgets  her  spelling  book ; 

The  bright-eyed  bird  is  calling  her  to  go 
Across  the  meadows  to  the  sunny  nook 
Where,  on  the  margin  of  a  silver  brook, 

The  fair  blue  iris  and  the  catkins  grow. 

The  distant,  drowsy  murmur  of  the  bees 

Paints  pictures  that  nor  time  nor  tears  can  dim, 

Of  sweet  old  gardens  amid  blossoming  trees, 

Of  lazy  cattle,  standing  to  the  knees 
In  buttercups  along  a  river's  rim. 

Sometimes  I  catch  a  far-off  sea  bird's  cry; 

Again  the  surges  beat  a  stormy  strand ; 
In  sodden  heaps  the  leaves  of  autumn  lie ; 
And  through  my  curtained  casement  comes  the  sigh 

Of  weary  winds  across  a  lonesome  land. 


58  Songs  Along  the  Way 

There  Remaineth  a  Rest  for  the 
People  of  God 

A  little  longer,  yet  a  little  longer, 

O  weary  hands  that  slacken  and  fall  down, 

Bear  up  the  cross;  for  "him  who  overcometh" 
Waiteth  the  crown. 


A  little  longer,  yet  a  little  longer, 

O  aching  heart,  with  care  and  sorrow  sore, 

Bear  thou  the  pain;  soon,  in  God's  peace  eternal, 
Thou' It  ache  no  more. 

A  little  longer,  yet  a  little  longer, 

O  tired  feet  that  fain  would  cease  to  roam, 

E'en  though  the  way  be  rough  and  tempests  lowering, 
The  path  leads  home. 

A  little  longer,  yet  a  little  longer, 

Look  up,  O  Faith !  why  waver  and  grow  pale  ? 
Soon  shalt  thou  see,  with  raptured  eye  and  tearless, 

Beyond  the  veil ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  59. 


Then  and  Now 

1861—1891 

Once  more  from  all  our  soldier  graves 

Sweet  wafts  of  fragrance  rise, 
Like  holy  incense  softly  shed 

O'er  altars  of  sacrifice. 
Once  more  the  fair  flowers  droop  their  heads 

Our  martyred  ones  above, 
To  show  that  mightier  than  death 

Reigneth  our  deathless  love. 

Called  by  the  music's  swelling  notes, 

What  thronging  memories  come 
Of  days  when  ranks  of  comrades  true 

Marched  to  the  fife  and  drum, 
Of  camp  and  scout  and  midnight  watch, 

Of  many  a  hard-fought  fray 
When  men  who  wore  the  loyal  blue 

Faced  men  who  wore  the  gray  ! 

Peacefully  now  their  low  green  banks 

The  Southern  rivers  lave. 
In  peace  o'er  many  a  bloody  field 

The  tasseled  corn  rows  wave. 
Sweet  Peace  and  Plenty  rule  the  land 

Again  from  North  to  South, 
And  the  timid  wild  bird  builds  her  nest 

In  the  silent  cannon's  mouth. 


60  Songs  Along  the  Way 

What  though  a  note  of  war's  alarm 

Be  flung  across  the  sea? 
What  though  a  foreign  monarch  cry, 

"  Answer  for  this  to  me !  "  ? 
At  the  threat  that  fires  the  Northern  blood 

The  South  wheels  into  place: 
Who  menaces  "Old  Glory"  now 

A  mighty  foe  must  face. 


"Keep  back  your  throngs !  "  we  make  reply; 

Our  freedom  cost  too  dear 
To  peril  it  that  all  earth's  scum 

May  find  a  refuge  here. 
Still  may  the  honest  and  the  true, 

Whate'er  their  creed  or  race, 
Within  our  ample  borders  find 

A  peaceful  dwelling  place; 


But  for  the  idle  and  the  vile, 

The  dregs  of  other  lands, 
The  drones  who  seek  to  share  the  wealth 

Hard-earned  by  honest  hands, — 
For  the  assassin,  blood-begrimed, 

Fleeing  a  righteous  doom, — 
Beneath  the  folds  of  yonder  flag 

There  never  will  be  room  ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  61 

Sleep  on,  O  soldiers,  'neath  the  flowers 

Dewed  with  a  nation's  tears, 
While  o'er  the  land  ye  died  to  save 

Peacefully  roll  the  years ! 
Of  foes  without,  of  foes  within, 

What  fear  have  we  today, 
When,  shoulder  to  shoulder  with  the  blue, 

Stand  the  men  who  wore  the  gray ! 


62  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Early  Called 


The  tender  Shepherd  gently  said, 
As  he  watched  where  the  happy  children  played 
"My  earthly  pastures  are  passing  fair, 
But  wolves  and  pitfalls  are  many  there. 
Often  the  paths  are  white  with  heat ; 
Often  the  driving  tempests  beat; 
The  flowers  are  thorny;  the  winds  are  cold: 
Come,  sinless  lambs,  to  my  heavenly  fold." 
"Come,"  he  said  to  the  fair-haired  child, 
And  she  lifted  her  sunny  face  and  smiled. 
The  dark-eyed  boy  the  summons  heard, 
And  bent  his  head  at  the  whispered  word. 
Hark !  the  rustle  of  unseen  wings, — 
A  far,  faint  strain  that  an  angel  sings, — 
And  lo !  they  have  passed  away  in  a  breath, 
Through  the  shadowy  gate  that  men  call  death. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  63 


Auf  Wiedersehen 


The  paths  that  first  our  footsteps  pressed 
Linger  in  dreams,  though  years  are  long, 

And  haunting  voices  from  the  past 
Croon  to  us  like  a  cradle  song. 

We  long  for  those  familiar  ways, 

The  lotus  land  of  childhood's  days. 


They  call  to  us  across  the  plains, 

They  signal  us  along  the  seas, — 
"Are  other  skies  as  fair  as  this? 

Are  other  flowers  as  sweet  as  these? 
O  come  to  us,  and  find  once  more 
The  fairy  realm  of  days  of  yore. ' ' 


But  when  we  seek  that  cherished  spot, 
Lo !  from  the  land  we  leave  behind 

Stretch  hands  that  will  not  be  denied, 
And  voices  cry  upon  the  wind, 

;  Come  back !  love's  roots  are  in  the  heart ! 

You  may  not  tear  such  bonds  apart !  " 


64  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Sweet  friend,  together  we  have  walked 
On  Life's  broad  highway  many  a  year. 

The  duties  wrought,  the  burdens  borne, 
Make  us  to  one  another  dear. 

Your  joys  were  ours  when  you  were  glad ; 

Your  griefs  were  ours  when  you  were  sad. 

Good  bye !  — the  clinging  hands  unclasp  — 

But,  gentle  friend,  where'er  you  rove, 
You  cannot  wander  from  our  hearts, 
You  cannot  go  beyond  our  love ! 
"  No  sweeter  woman  e'er  drew  breath  !  " 
Come  back  to  us,  Elizabeth  ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  65 


To  an  Absent  One 


Good  night,  my  love,  this  last  night  of  the  year ! 

The  hourglass  tells  its  swiftly  wasting  sands. 
Soon  will  a  stranger  at  the  gates  appear 

With  harbingers  of  joy  in  his  young  hands. 

Yet  will  a  sigh  our  greeting  smile  displace, 
For  the  dead  Past  in  shrouds  upon  his  bier; 

No  fair  young  presence  ever  can  efface 

The  tender  memories  of  this  dear  Old  Year. 

Deeper  and  darker  grow  the  shadows  gray; 

Around  my  heart  they  gather  like  a  pall. 
Would  that  my  hands  in  thy  strong  clasping  lay ! 

Then  would  the  future  wear  no  gloom  at  all. 

Good  night ! "  I  whisper  through  the  midnight  calm. 

Thy  spirit  listens  my  low  words  to  hear. 
God  keep  thee,  best  beloved,  this  night  from  harm, 

And  bless  to  thee  the  coming  glad  New  Year ! 


66  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Feed  My  Lambs 


cc 

Written  on  a  Friend's  Ordination. 


Dear  Lord,  with  patient  face, 

And  sad  eyes  ever  gazing  tenderly, 
Why  standest  thou  so  steadfast  at  my  door, 
Asking  the  same  low  question  o'er  and  o'er  — 

"Son,  lovest  thou  me?"? 

Thou  knowest  I  love  thee,  Lord ! 

Am  I  not  leaving  all  to  follow  thee? 
Have  I  not  torn  each  idol  from  its  seat 
And  cast  it  down,  all  shattered,  at  thy  feet? 

What  is  it  that  thou  may'st  not  ask  of  me? 

Thy  face  is  still  so  grave ! 

Have  I  so  grieved  thee  by  my  stubborn  pride? 
I  know  my  many  stumblings  hurt  thee  sore : 
Help  me,  I  pray,  to  turn  and  sin  no  more ! 

O  draw  my  footsteps  closer  to  thy  side ! 

Thou  askest  still  the  same ! 
How  shall  I  prove  the  love  and  faith  I  hold  ? 
Thy  lambs,"  dear  Lord?     And  lies  therein  thy 

need? 

Thy  cherished  lambs  thou  wishest  me  to  feed? 
To  seek  the  lost  ones  straying  from  thy  fold  ? 


Songs  Along  the  Way  67 

The  way  is  dark  and  drear, 

And  often  must  be  climbed  with  aching  feet ! 
How  will  they  hear  or  heed  my  trembling  voice, 
If  at  thine  own  they  turn  not  nor  rejoice  — 

Thy  voice  with  tender  pity  always  sweet? 

Dear  Lord,  thy  will  be  done ! 

Help  me  to  know  no  other  wish  than  thine ! 
Thy  love  can  light  the  path,  though  dark  and  long ; 
Thy  power  can  make  the  faltering  footsteps  strong, 

And  speak  through  feeble  lips  with  voice  divine ! 


68  Songs  Along  the  Way 


By  the  Sea 


The  young  leaves  spring  and  violets  wake, 
As  the  soft  wind  brings  the  rain. 

The  wild  bird  chirps  to  her  mate  in  the  tree 
She  knows  not  care  or  pain ; 

Her  heart  rejoices  with  nature's  heart, 
That  the  spring  has  come  again. 

The  ships  sail  out  and  the  ships  sail  in 

As  the  welcome  breezes  blow; 
The  sailors  are  singing  the  same  old  songs, 

With  swaying  rhythm  slow, 
As  when,  a  child  upon  the  shore, 

I  listened  long  ago. 

The  clouds  look  down  from  far-off  heights 

At  their  faces  in  the  sea; 
The  brown  rocks  lean  to  the  swinging  tides 

That  lap  them  ceaselessly ; 
The  free  salt  wind,  as  it  fans  my  cheek, 

Brings  back  my  youth  to  me. 

Again  with  eager  eyes  I  scan 

The  far  horizon  line. 
Though  many  a  laden  ship  comes  in 

Across  the  restless  brine, 
Though  long  I  wait,  thou  comest  not, 

O  treasure  ship  of  mine. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  69 


A  Fruitless  Quest 

A  pair  of  innocent  childish  eyes 
Shaded  by  ripples  of  shining  hair, 

A  face  with  a  shadow  of  grave  surprise, 
Upturned  to  mine  with  a  questioning  air. 

f  You  know,  Mamma,  the  story  books  say — 

You've  read  to  me  from  them  hours  and  hours — 
That  fairies  love  in  the  night  to  play, 
But  sleep  all  day  in  the  hearts  of  flowers. 

'  So  I  thought,  this  drowsy  afternoon, 

When  even  the  birds  forget  to  peep, 
Rocked  by  the  soft,  sweet  winds  of  June, 
I  could  find  a  fairy  fast  asleep. 

'  From  hawthorne  hedge  to  jasmine  bower, 

I've  hunted  the  whole  wide  garden  through. 
I've  sought  in  the  heart  of  every  flower 
For  glittering  wings  of  silver  hue. 

*I  startled  the  humming  bird  from  the  rose; 

The  bluebells  shook  out  the  honey  bee; 
The  butterflies  glanced  where  the  foxglove  grows, 
But  nowhere  a  fairy  could  I  see. 


7°  Songs  Along  the  Way 

"  'Tis  told  in  many  a  tale  you've  read 

That  they  sleep  in  flowers  and  drink  the  dew; 
But  now, ' '  and  the  earnest  face  grew  sad, 
"I  think,  Mamma,  it  isn't  true." 

I  kiss  the  dear  little  doubting  maid, 
And  send  her,  comforted,  back  to  play, 

But  I  think,  "Alas!  what  dreams  must  fade 
Ere  that  shining  head  grows  silver  gray ! ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way  71 


My  Neighbor's  Rose 


Fair  roses  from  far  countries 
Around  my  portals  twine ; 

Bright  on  their  radiant  faces 
Caressing  sunbeams  shine ; 

But  my  neighbor,  over  yonder, 
Has  a  fairer  rose  than  mine. 


I  see  his  pretty  cottage 

Beyond  my  garden  bowers ; 

High  o'er  it,  tall  and  stately, 
My  shadowing  mansion  towers; 

But  my  neighbor's  Rose  of  roses 
Is  sweeter  than  my  flowers. 


'Tis  Rose,  his  winsome  daughter, 
Blooming  in  that  tiny  place, 

A  simple  wildwood  floweret, 
With  unaffected  grace, 

While  the  brightness  of  all  roses 
Seems  shining  in  her  face. 


72  Songs  Along  the  Way 

I  watch  her  from  my  casement 
As  her  light  step  comes  and  goes ; 

I  listen  to  the  music 

That  from  her  young  lips  flows; 

And  I  covet  from  my  neighbor 
His  peerless,  priceless  Rose. 

I  wonder  if,  transplanted 

From  her  simple  home  to  mine, 

Would  she  thrive,  the  same  sweet  blossom, 
O'er  my  lonely  life  to  shine, 

Or,  like  wildwood  flower  transplanted, 
In  my  shadow  droop  and  pine. 

I  have  another  neighbor, 

A  lady  proud  as  fair; 
Her  eyes  outshine  the  jewels 

That  light  her  dusky  hair, 
And  of  many  broad  green  acres 

She  is  the  only  heir. 

All  highborn  gifts  and  graces 

In  her  fair  self  combine; 
She  is  courted  in  the  ballroom 

And  toasted  at  the  wine ; 
Yet,  methinks,  her  smile  is  gracious 

When  her  soft  hand  touches  mine. 


Songs  Along  the  Way  73 

I  wonder,  should  I  seek  her, 

Could  I  woo  her  to  my  side  ? 
O'er  my  table  at  the  banquet 

Like  a  queen  she  would  preside, 
And  the  world  would  nod  approval 

Should  I  win  her  for  my  bride: 

But  her  cold,  calm  smile  reminds  me 

Of  moonlight  upon  snow; 
A  tall  and  glittering  iceberg 

She  moves,  so  proud  and  slow, 
I  fear  my  heart  would  wither 

Within  the  icy  glow. 

This  eve  I'll  go  a- wooing, 

When  soft  the  shadows  fall, — 
Not  my  lady  cold  and  haughty 

In  her  ancestral  hall, 
But  my  neighbor's  Rose  of  roses, 

Beyond  the  garden  wall. 


74  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Coming 

The  long,  bright  summer  days  are  almost  here, 
The  summer  bringing  promised  joy  to  me. 

Her  sweet  forerunners  one  by  one  appear; 
Her  misty  banners  sweep  the  silver  sea. 

The  wild  bee  revels  in  the  rose's  heart, 

The  bright-eyed  daisies  gem  their  grassy  bed; 

The  wandering  south  wind  stirs  the  leaves  apart, 
And  lifts  the  lily's  meekly  drooping  head. 

A  song  of  joy  the  heart  of  nature  thrills ; 

A  song  of  joy  sing  all  the  happy  birds; 
And  my  own  heart  the  same  low  music  fills; 

A  tender  love  song  all  too  sweet  for  words. 

Haste  thee,  O  summer,  to  my  Northern  home ! 

Haste  thee,  O  ship,  across  the  shining  sea ! 
Rock  lightly,  azure  billows  touched  with  foam ! 

Blow  gently,  winds  that  waft  my  love  to  me 


Songs  Along  the  Way  75 


My  Pet  Name 

You  call  me  by  the  sweet  old  name 

To  youth  and  memory  dear ; 
The  years  roll  backward  like  a  dream, 
Once  more  a  laughing  girl  I  seem, 
When  that  loved  name  1  hear. 

Its  sound  recalls  the  gentle  one 
Who  first  that  pet  name  gave, 
And,  hearing  it,  I  half  forget 
That  the  dear  lips  which  hallowed  it 
Are  silent  in  the  grave. 

Friends  tried  and  true,  now  far  away  — 

Ah  me  !  the  world  is  wide ! — 
Oft  uttered  it  with  voices  light, 
When  hearts  were  young  and  hopes  were 

bright, 
And  the  future  all  untried. 

Much  doth  the  changeless  past  now  hold 

Of  the  future  of  our  trust, 
And  many  a  hope  that  gave  it  grace, 
And  many  a  fair  and  friendly  face, 

Have  crumbled  into  dust. 


76  Songs  Along  the  Way 


Too  Late 


Love  waits  without.     I  hear  his  pleading  tones: 
"I  am  aweary ;  let  me  rest  with  thee ! 

'Tis Love  who  at  thy  door  thus  knocks  and  moans, — 
Love  cold  and  faint :  wilt  thou  not  shelter  me ?  " 

Nay,  Love,  thou  may'st  not  enter!     Go  thy  way! 

The  hour  is  late ;  there  is  no  longer  room. 
Thou  shouldst  have  tarried  when  I  bade  thee  stay, 

Amid  the  sunshine  and  the  morning  bloom. 

Gladly  I  hastened,  then,  to  let  thee  in, 
And  dried  thy  dew-wet  wings  upon  my  breast ; 

Now  I  must  sit  beside  the  hearth  and  spin  — 
No  longer  have  I  time  for  such  a  guest. 

This  morn  thou  wast  a  god — all  earthly  joy, 
E'en  life  itself,  seemed  of  thy  gift  divine; 

Now  thou  art  but  an  idle,  teasing  boy  — 

Go,  Love,  knock  at  some  other  door  than  mine ! ' ' 


Songs  Along  the  Way  77 


The  Strange  Horseman 

"What  seekest  thou,  grim  horseman,  pray, 

In  this  goodly  company?" 
"Here  in  your  midst  I  may  not  stay; 
For  a  strange,  far  land  I  start  today  — 

And  who  will  go  with  me?" 

He  turned  to  a  passer  bent  and  old, 

But  the  old  man  shrank  away. 
"I  love  my  lands  and  I  love  my  gold; 

I  hope  to  increase  them  many  fold; 
I  cannot  go  today!" 

His  beckoning  made  a  strong  man  quail. 

"Come  thou  and  ride  with  me !  " 
"Nay  now,  nay  now,  O  horseman  pale, 
My  wife  would  weep,  my  children  wail, 

If  I  should  go  with  thee !  " 

A  maiden  shuddered  and  stepped  apart 

As  she  caught  the  stranger's  eye: 
"My  lover's  image  is  on  my  heart; 
My  lover  is  warm,  and  cold  thou  art : 
I  pray  thee  pass  me  by !  " 


78  Songs  Along  the  Way 

A  waif  uplifted  her  small  white  face 

And  her  young  eyes  sad  to  see. 
1 '  O  horseman  grave,  I  ask  thy  grace : 
This  world  to  me  is  a  weary  place ; 
I'll  gladly  go  with  thee." 

He  lifted  her  up  to  his  saddle  bow 
For  the  strange  and  silent  ride. 

The  pale  steed  faded  to  mist,  and,  lo ! 

Instead  of  the  horseman  with  cheek  of  snow, 
An  angel  glorified ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  79 


At  Commencement 

O  valiant  knight,  thy  spurs  are  won ; 

Thy  shoulder  hath  the  accolade ; 
Before  thee  lies  the  world's  broad  field: 

Go  forth  to  conflict,  undismayed ! 

The  times  have  need  of  souls  like  thine, 
For  thou  wilt  make  no  truce  with  wrong. 

Among  the  false  thou  wilt  be  true, 
Among  the  weak  thou  wilt  be  strong. 

The  trumpet  sounds  and  banners  wave ! 

"  Forward  !  "  the  order  rings  for  thee. 
From  lips  that  bless  and  hands  that  cling, 

Go  forth  to  noble  destiny. 


8o  Songs  Along  the  Way 


The  Linnet's  Song 

Under  an  apple  tree  white  with  bloom, 
A  youth  and  a  maiden  meet. 

High  in  the  branches  a  linnet  sings, 
"Sweet!  sweet!  sweet!" 


The  youth  looks  down  at  the  maid's  fair  face, 

And  his  smiling  eyes  repeat 
The  story  told  in  the  linnet's  song, 

"Sweet!  sweet!  sweet!" 


He  stoops  and  kisses  the  rosy  mouth, 

Mid  blushes  shy  and  fleet ; 
While  the  bird  on  the  apple  bough  trills  with 
glee, 

"Sweet!  sweet!  sweet!" 


Songs  Along  the  Way  81 


My  Old  Home 

I  watch  yon  ship  on  her  inbound  track, 

With  the  sunlight  on  her  sails, 
And  my  thoughts  go  fondly  wandering  back 

To  the  far  land  whence  she  hails. 
Swifter  they  fly  than  the  roving  wind 

To  the  Northland  broad  and  free ; 
To  the  dear  old  home  that  I  left  behind 

By  the  shore  of  another  sea. 


Do  sunbeams  fall  on  its  sentinel  trees 

As  brightly  as  of  yore, 
And  light  boughs  quivering  in  the  breeze 

Throw  shadows  across  the  floor? 
On  woodbine  twining  about  the  eaves 

Do  tints  of  autumn  glow, 
And  wild  birds  under  the  latticed  leaves 

Flit  softly  to  and  fro? 

I  know  there  are  girlish  steps  still  heard 
In  and  out  of  each  well-known  room, 

And  a  light  voice  sings  like  a  happy  bird 
In  the  twilight's  gathering  gloom ; 


82  Songs  Along  the  Way 

Yet  come  the  tears  into  gentle  eyes 
At  the  sound  along  hall  and  stair, 

As  thoughts  of  the  wandering  one  arise 
Whose  voice  was  once  heard  there? 


O  childhood's  friends,  0  childhood's  home, 

Far  over  the  sounding  sea, 
Though  many  a  mile  of  ocean's  foam 

Separate  you  and  me, 
Yet  love  recks  nothing  of  change  or  space, 

And  here  on  a  distant  strand, 
My  spirit  holds  in  its  fond  embrace 

The  loved  of  that  northern  land ! 


Songs  Along  the  Way  83 


An  Echo 


Please  God  you  find  one  face  there 
You  loved  when  all  was  young. 

—Charles  Kingsley. 


Sweetheart  of  mine,  "when  all  the  world  is  old," 

And  we  have  wearied  of  life's  pretty  toys, 
When  radiant  hope  is  but  a  phantom  cold, 

And  cold  the  grave  where  lie  our  perished  joys, 
When  all  the  gleam  has  whitened  in  my  hair, 

And  all  the  luster  faded  from  your  eyes, 
When  all  the  past  seems  incomplete  and  bare, 

And  the  dark  river  close  before  us  lies, — 
I  think,  if  I  may  hold  your  hand  in  mine, 

I  shall  not  fear  the  daylight's  growing  gray, 
Nor  at  the  irrevocable  past  repine, 

Knowing  that  you  have  loved  me  all  the  way. 


UNIVEKSITY  OF  CALIFOENIA  LIBBAEY, 
BEEKELEY 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
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20m-l,'22 


YB   I  1 870 


